“And you’re wearing it. Just wait until I drop the twins and feel like going out. I’m showing all my skin.”
The best friends slapped hands and went to sit down.
Aspen could feel eyes on her. She tried ignoring it, but when she and Lavender sat down, Mahari made it very clear he was the one eyeing her. Dynasty was so close to him that she was damn near sitting in his lap. Aspen tapped Lavender’s thigh and bobbed her head their way.
“Look who showed up with someone and hasn’t spoken to me,” she whispered.
Lavender leaned up on her elbow and cleared her throat. “And hello to you too, Mahari, since you’re sitting over there acting like you can’t speak.”
Massaging his beard, Mahari replied to Lavender, but his gaze remained on Aspen. “Someone else is acting like they can’t speak either.”
“Mahari, don’t even try that,” Aspen responded, frowning. “Justin walked right over here and acknowledged me. You could’ve done the same, but I see how you do your best friend.”
Her feelings were truly hurt. It bothered her that Mahari hadn’t embraced her like he usually did, and Aspen believed it had everything to do with Dynasty being with him. Mahari wasted no time getting up and making his way over to Aspen. He plopped down on the couch next to her, threw his arm over her shoulders, and kissed her cheek.
“Hey, Bunny.”
“Hi.” Aspen spoke dryly, and Mahari laughed.
“Don’t be like that. I was just letting you get your time with Justin.”
She peered over at Mahari’s handsome face. “Since when we started lying to each other?”
“I would never lie to you, Aspen. You know that. I’m being serious. I let him talk to you and made my rounds. By the time I was done, he was eye fuckin’ Lavender, and she had stolen your attention. I was just waiting my turn.”
“You never have to wait your turn. I always make time and space for you, and you know that.”
“I’m sorry for not coming over here first. Do you forgive me?”
How could she not when Mahari’s pretty, pink lips were formed into a fake pout, and those pools of dark ash were boring into her.
Aspen flitted her eyes upward and said, “I guess so.”
“You didn’t have a choice, or I would’ve poked you all night.”
“And we would’ve been in this section fighting.”
“You look beautiful, Bunny. I like this look on you. Reminds me of when we were kids.”
“Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself. I see you’re matching with your girlfriend.”
Mahari side-eyed Aspen, removing his arm from her shoulders and leaning forward with his knees resting on his elbow. Aspen was a little disappointed because his scent had been comforting her.
“Don’t start talking crazy now.”
“What? You’re the one who came here with her. Why haven’t you introduced me?” Aspen peered over at Dynasty and waved when she realized Dynasty was intently watching them.
Before Mahari could respond, Dynasty rose to her feet and made her way over to them. She gently pushed Mahari back and sat in his lap. A smirk danced on her glossy lips as she and Aspen stared at one another. When Mahari wrapped his arm around Dynasty’s waist and rested his hand on her thigh, Aspen clenched her teeth and forced a smile.
Running her hand through Mahari’s locs, Dynasty asked, “Why did you leave me over there by myself, babe?”
“I was coming right back.” Mahari waved his hand between Aspen and Dynasty. “Bunny, this is Dynasty. Dynasty, this is my best friend, Aspen.”
“Oh, the one you drop everyone and everything for when given the chance?” Dynasty sarcastically questioned before holding her manicured hand out to Aspen. “Nice to meet you. Congrats on the babies. I know you and Lance must be thrilled.”
As badly as she didn’t want to, Aspen shook Dynasty’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you as well. I thought I would’ve had a chance to speak to you the other day when you called and I was with Mahari, but he didn’t answer. And thank you. We are.”
Behind Aspen, Lavender snickered and sat up with her chin resting on Aspen’s shoulder. “And I’m her best friend, Lavender, the one who doesn’t play about her.”
